Estudiantes president Enrique Lombardi has reiterated his determination to talk Juan Sebastian Veron out of retiring, ahead of what is supposed to be the midfielder's last game this weekend.

Veron, 36, revealed earlier this season that he was planning to hang up his boots at the end of the current Apertura campaign, which comes on Sunday when Los Pincharratas host Union.

But the Argentina playmaker, who started his career at Estudiantes before going on to forge a glittering career in Europe, is under pressure from Lombardi to reverse his decision.

"It is vital for Estudiantes to have Veron keep playing next year," Lomabardi told Telam. "I am very optimistic about this because his team-mates already have him convinced of this. In football terms, Sebastian is still impeccable and this can be seen in every game."

Estudiantes have struggled in this season's Apertura and currently sit in a disappointing 17th position in the table, with Lombardi revealing he is intent on bringing current Racing Club manager Diego Simeone back to Estadio Unico for the 2012 Torneo Clausura.

The Argentine giants have yet to replace Miguel Angel Russo, who resigned last month, with caretaker boss Juan Manuel Azconzabal currently at the helm.

"Regarding the coach for 2012, it will probably be Simeone," Lombardi said. "Azconzabal is doing a great job and he has the players' support, but he is only just starting. We want to protect him because we know he is going to have a great career."